The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Hassan Bello has emphasised the need for effective synergy and collaboration between the Independent Corruption Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in order to achieve more success in the war against corruption in Nigeria.
Delivering an address while on a courtesy visit to ICPC recently, Mr. Hassan Bello said that the courtesy call was to further foster collaboration with the Commission, adding that the Council had gained from the initial collaboration with the Commission in the area of streamlining procedures in Nigeria sea ports.
Explaining further, the Executive-Secretary stated that NSC was one of the first government establishments to inaugurate Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), which had greatly assisted in curbing corrupt practices in the Council. He said as part of NSC’s role in executing its mandate as the economic regulator in the ports, it has established a Complaints Unit where complaints on the operations of the ports are lodged.
Speaking further, Mr Bello requested ICPC to partner with it in organising sensitization seminars on NSC’s new technology and initiatives at the ports in particular the Advance Cargo Tracking Note which is designed to reduce sharp practices in cargo declaration.
The Acting Chairman ICPC, Dr. Musa Usman Abubakar while welcoming members of the Council, affirmed the relationship that existed between the two organisations. He stated that the Commission was ready to further collaborate and work with the Council, and pledged to assist in the area of organising seminars for members of the Council.
In her remarks, Spokesperson for the Commission and Commissioner, Public Enlightenment Department, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, mni, said the Council has had a great relationship with the Commission and stressed the need for further collaboration with the Council.
While giving the vote of thanks, the Director Legal Services of the Council, who is also the Council’s ACTU Chairman, Mr. Samuel Vongtau, expressed gratitude to the Commission for the vibrancy of ACTU programmes.